Posting and transfer system for display indicators



Sept. 18, 1962 c. s. WILCOX 3,054,984

POSTING AND TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR DISPLAY INDICATORS Original Filed June 22, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. IA. 27R 26R U 2 IOQ 200 BR 48 CODED INPUT 7GB 8C8 INVENTOR.

Y C. SWILCOX HIS ATTORNEY 7MMW C. S. WILCOX Sept. 18, 1962 POSTING AND TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR DISPLAY INDICATORS Original Filed June 22, 1

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ICE 3GB 4GB 50B 80B KZSVENTOR. C. S. W|LCOX 7 HIS ATTORNEY C. S. WILCOX Sept. 18, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed June 22, 1959 FIG. 2.

CODED EQS WIRES T CHAR CB 3GB 4GB 5GB 6GB 7GB 8GB 36 POS.|ND.

TAPE

POS

INVENTOR. BY C. S. WILCOX HIS ATTORNEY ENERGIZED BUS O DEENERGIZED BUS X DUPLICATED CODES DUPLlCATED TAPE CHARACTERS CYCLIC REPEAT OF CODES C. S. WlLCOX Sept. 18, 1962 POSTING AND TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR DISPLAY INDICATORS 5' Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed June 22, 1959 MQE INVENTOR. C. S. WILCOX 7 HlS ATTORNEY Sept. 18, 1962 c. s. WILCOX 3,054,984

POSTING AND TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR DISPLAY INDICATORS Original Filed June 22, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 o co J (x m 95 N g g m O H xii/* Q a: 1WD 2 2 '8 l fl .T J '9 a s g a g 2 a I -J INVENTOR. C.S.W\LCOX BY ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,054,984 POSTING AND TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR DISPLAY INDICATORS Clinton S. Wilcox, Rochester, N.Y., assignor to General Railway Signal Company, Rochester, N.Y. Continuation of application Ser. No. 821,756, June 22, 1959. This application Nov. 29, 1961, Ser. No. 157,042 22 Claims. (Cl. 340-154) This invention relates in general to a posting and transfer system for display indicators, and more particularly pertains to such a system in which any selected indicator of a large number may be positioned in accordance with the selective energization of buses and in which the position of any indicator may be directly transferred to any other indicator over the same set of buses with suitable means for checking the proper positioning of an indicator.

This application is a continuation of my prior application, Ser. No. 821,756, filed June 22, 1959, now abandoned.

Prior posting systems have employed the energization of buses in code combinations to position display indicators by the use of a minimum number of buses. It has also been suggested that means be provided for checking the response of the indicators to the different coded energizations of their positioning buses. Another desirable feature is the provision of means for transferring the information from one indicator to another.

The present invention is more particularly concerned with the combining of all of these features into one composite system in such a way that all such features are compatible with each other.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide such a posting display system with checking and transfer features in a manner that the different column buses can be related .to the main control buses common to all columns without the use of circuit selection means at the common points of connection.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide means for checking the response of the indicators as they are operated to their different positions in such a way that the checking means is not rendered active until an indicator has fully assumed its operated position to thereby avoid transient indications while an indicator is being operated to a selected position.

A still further object is to provide such a posting and transfer system in which the value of energy involved is reduced to a minimum by the use of transistors at appropriate places in the circuits with such transistors being so located in the circuits as to require a minimum number of such transistors.

A still further object of the present invention is to pro vide automatically controlled means for controlling the deceleration of a motor operated to position its indicator to thereby provide positive action of such indicator.

Other objects, purposes and characteristic features of the present invention will be in part obvious from the accompanying drawings, and in part pointed out as the description of the invention progresses.

In describing the invention in detail, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which:

3,054,984 Patented Sept. 18, 1962 F168. 1A and 113 when placed side-by-side illustrate a posting and transfer control system for a number of display indicator devices in which the positioning control buses may be selectively energized in different code combinations to determine the positions of any one of the several display indicator devices.

P16. 2 is a code table representing the bus Wire energizations required for operating the display indicators of FIGS. 1A and IE to their different positions.

FIG. 3 is an abbreviated schematic illustration of FIGS. 1A and B to simplify certain of its circuits for the purposes of explanation.

FIG. 4 shows a display indicator device with suitable motor control means for positioning such indicator and automatically controlled means for controlling the deceleration of the motor when such indicator is positioned.

For the purpose of simplifying the illustration and facilitating the explanation, the various parts and circuits constituting the embodiment of the invention have been shown diagrammatically and certain conventional illustrations have been employed, the drawings having been made more for the purpose of making it easy to understand the principles and mode of operation, than with the idea of illustrating the specific construction and arrangement of parts that would be employed in practice. Thus, the various relays and their contacts are illustrated in a conventional manner, and symbols are used to indicate other devices and the terminals of batteries or other source of electric current instead of showing all of the wire connections.

In some instances, the actual sources of electric energy have been symbolically illustrated as batteries while in other instances symbols are employed. The symbols and are employed to illustrate the positive and negative terminals respectively of suitable batteries or other sources of direct current, and the circuits with which these symbols are used always have current flowing in the same direction. The disclosure shown in the drawings has been prepared to illustrate that the principles of the present invention may be useable with any type of changeable display indicator but for the purpose of definiteness the present disclosure assumes that an indicator is employed of the general type shown and described in the W. D. Maynard patent application, Ser. No. 763,569, filed September 26, 1958. It should, of course, be understood that the display indicators employed may be of any suitable type but for convenience the type employing coded positioning the sake of simplicity in operation of the large number of indications and display indicators to be controlled. Although the display indicators disclosed in the W. D. Maynard application, Ser. No. 763,569, may be operated to 36 different positions or to 12 different positions as may be desired, it is assumed for the purposes of this disclosure that the indicators operable to 36 positions is employed. The accompanying code table of FIG. 2 has been prepared with this assumption in mind; although it should be apparent that indicators having different numbers of positions might just as well be employed.

Referring to FIG. 1B it will be noted that the display indicators or devices have been arranged in rows and columns for convenience although any desired arrangement may be employed. The rows have been designated by letters and the columns have been designated buses appears to be most expedient for by numerals. In this way any particular display indicator may be readily identified. For example, the indicator lKA is shown in the lower left-hand corner of the panel as being in column 1, row A.

Each of these display indicators includes beside its D.C. permanent-magnet motor M, a switching transistor unit and a motor control transistor unit with several associated resistors being included also. Controlling energy is applied to several of the associated resistors for controlling the energization of the switching transistor unit which further controls the energization or deenergization of the motor controlling transistor in association with another resistor. More specifically, the indicator IKA includes switching transistor HQ and motor controlling transistor 12Q with associated resistors 18R, 19R and 20R.

Each of these indicators is assumed to be of the thirtysix position type which operates to its different positions by a motor M through suitable reduction gearing which operates the display element and the two commutators or contact portions. Each of the commutator portions have four brushes which in effect provide four contacts for each commutator portion as indicated in the code chart of FIG. 2 for each of the indicators. The contacts of the two commutator portions are interconnected in such a manner so as to assume different positions for each of the different positions of the indicator in code combination. In brief, the combinations are so chosen that to operate an indicator requires that four buses be energized for each of the combinations selected for the thirty-six positions; and also four buses are left deenergized for each of such thirty-six positions. This interconnection between the two commutator portions for each of the thirty-six positions in regard to the code combinations is shown in the code table of FIG. 2. Instead of illustrating the details of the two commutator portions, they have been illustrated by conventional contacts in FIG. 1B and will assume open and closed positions in different combinations corresponding to the different positions of their indicator and corresponding to the positions designated in such code table of FIG. 2.

In the code table of FIG. 2, the symbol (-1-) is used to designate the bus wires which must be energized to cause any selected indicator to operate to the designated position; and the symbol is used to designate the corresponding bus wires for the desired position of the selected indicator which are left deenergized. When the bus wires are energized in a particular combination, the indicator which is being operated continues such operation until the contacts of the indicator corresponding to those energized bus wires are all opened and the remaining contacts corresponding to the deenergized bus wires are all closed. Thus, in effect, the symbol in the code table of FIG. 2 also indicate that for the corresponding position, the corresponding contacts C of the indicator are open. Likewise, in effect, the symbols (0) in the code table of FIG. 2 also indicate that for such corresponding position, the corresponding contacts C of the indicator are closed.

The thirty-six different positions of the indicator have been represented in the code table of FIG. 2 as numerals, letters and a blank position each of which may also be displayed by the indicator in corresponding positions. It should be understood, however, that any other desired symbols may be used on the display tape of the indicators as may be desired.

The buses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are connected through eight diodes 1D, 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D, 6D, 7D and 8D respectively to the contacts of the two commutator portions of the indicator. These diodes are for the purpose of preventing feed-around circuits, as will be later discussed.

An additional diode 9D is provided for each indicator to prevent feed-around circuits in connection With the read-in and read-out operations subsequently to be explained.

The control buses ICB, 2GB, 3GB, 4GB, 5GB, 6GB,

7GB and SCB may be energized in the combinations shown in the code table of FIG. 2 either by the manually operable buttons 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B and 8B or by a suitable coded input control means 23. When these control buses are thus energized in accordance with the desired position for some indicator either in column 1 or in column 2 the appropriate column relay such as relay lCR is energized either by the manual operation of the button B or appropriate code control. The particular row is again selected by the operation of an appropriate read-in contact, such as the manually operable contact RIA which may also be automatically closed by suitable automatic control means if desired. Such contact RIA is effective to control the energization or deenergization of an associated transistor 15Q in connection with two resistors such as 50R and 51R. By means of the button ICOB and/ or the contact RI A, control energy is removed from a switching transistor 11Q for rendering such switching transistor 11Q energized or active in response to energy received over any one of the control buses to control the energization of the motor controlling transistor 12Q to thus allow the operation of the motor M. In any event, regardless of whether the inputs and indicator selections as indicated are effected manually or by automatic control means, the circuits are appropriately maintained until the selected indicator has completed its operation, as will be discussed later.

For the purpose of checking the position to which an indicator has been operated, relays 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, 4BR, 5BR, 6BR, 7BR and 8BR are connected to their respective control buses through NPN type transistors 1Q, 2Q, 3Q, 4Q, 5Q, 6Q, 7Q and 8Q respectively. A contact of each of these relays is connected in series with a contact of its respective button 1B, 2B, etc. so as to complete an energizing circuit for a correspondence light CE upon the completion of the operation of an indicator. At the conclusion of such operation, four of these relays will be energized while the remaining four relays are deenergized. During such operation each of these relays is held in its deenergized condition by a disabling circuit which is effective to remove the controlling energy for their associated NPN type transistors.

The diodes 21D, 22D, 23D, 24D, 25D, 26D, 27D and 28D are connected in shunt with their respective BR relays in opposition to the normal direction of current flow. These diodes are connected in this manner to absorb the induced voltages developed when their respective BR relays energized in a particular combination after a selected indicator has been operated to a desired position are deenergized.

The disabling circuit includes two transistors 9Q and 10Q with associated resistors and diodes for maintaining the relays 1BR, 2BR, etc. deenergized during the operation of an indicator. This is effected by deenergizing the transistor 9Q during the operation of an indicator which is effective to remove the controlling energy for each of the transistors 1Q, 2Q, etc. associated with their respec tive relays 1BR, 2BR, etc. Also, transistor 10Q is energized during the operation of an indicator so as to render transistor 9Q inactive or deenergized. Upon the completion of the operation of an indicator, the opposite conditions of each of the transistors 9Q and 10Q will take effect so as to permit four of the relays 1BR, 2BR, etc. to be energized in accordance with the closed contacts of the indicator While the remaining four BR relays are left deenergized. With these relays in this condition, the circuit for the correspondence light CE will be established so as to illuminate light CE which light thereby effectively denotes the correspondence of the operation of an indicator with the input energization of the control buses 10B, ZCB, etc. The code table of FIG. 2 is effective to show which of the relays 1BR, 2BR, etc. are energized and which are deenergized for any one of the thirty-six positions. The symbol (0) which represents a closed commutator contact is effective in this instance to represent an energized relay while the symbol which represents an open commutator contact is effective to represent a deenergized relay. Thus, it is possible to know exactly which of these relays 1BR, 2BR, etc. are energized or deenergized for any one of the thirty-six positions.

For the purpose of transferring the position of one indicator to another indicator, a transfer button TB is shown as being manually operable. Likewise, a read-out button, such as button ROB for row B may be operated to have the positions of the indicators lKB and ZKB transferred to the indicators IKA and ZKA respectively. To accomplish this the read-in button RIA also has to be operated. Again it should be noted that the read-in and read-out contacts may be controlled by suitable automatic means concurrently with the operation of the transfer button TB which may also be controlled by automatic means. After the information has been transferred from one row to another row, the row from which such information has been transferred may be returned to (O) or a blank position, or may be operated to display new information all being dependent upon the desired operation.

A number of resistors, such as resistors 1R, 2R, 3R, 4R, 5R, 6R, 7R and 8R, are provided to interconnect the column buses 1, 2, etc. with their corresponding control buses 1GB, 2GB, etc. One such resistor is provided for each column bus for each of the columns 1 and 2. Each of these resistors is effective to provide isolation for its respective column bus from the energy applied to its respective control bus when it is desired to operate an indicator in another column of indicators. Also, the resistors for any column are effective to provide controlling energy on four of the eight column buses in accordance with the input controlling energy and the closed contacts of an in dicator from which it is desired to read out of. This will be explained in more detail hereinafter.

General Functions of Transistors in FIGS. 1A and 18 With Reference to FIG. 3

The above description of FIGS. 1A and 1B was given with regard to the structure involved in a posting and transfer system employing transistors for the purpose of reducing the control energy and for simplifying the contact arrangement. Also, suitable structure for checking the proper positioning of an indicator was included. Before considering the operational characteristics of such an organization, it is believed to be expedient to consider the general functions of the different groups of transistors with regard to a single bus and its related circuits for the posting of information in an indicator and the read-out of such information from the indicator. Thus, such a description will be given with reference to FIG. 3 with more particular consideration given the controlling potentials applied to the respective transistors from a common source 48 for illustrating how the control contacts have their functions repeated and eifectuated through transistor control with a minimum of control current and a simplification of contact arrangement.

In the consideration of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 3, the transistors are assumed to be of the PNP type although it is to be understood that various other types can be employed if desired with appropriate modifications of the circuits. Referring to FIG. 3, it will be noted that the buttons 1COB and TB do not establish separate circuits to energize a column relay such as relay ICR as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. It will be noted with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B that the function of the column relays in their energized condition is to remove the positive control source from the base of switching transistor 11Q. This same function is provided in FIG. 3 by'connecting the buttons 1COB and TB in series fashion so as to establish a circuit for the positive controlling energy for the base of switching transistor 11Q through their front contacts. This arrangement is effective to serve the same function, i.e., to remove the positive control source from the base of the switching transistor 11Q during either the read-in or read-out operation.

In selecting a row of indicators, the positive (-l-) source of energy is removed from the base of the switching transistor 11Q by operating the button RIA which is effective to deenergize transistor 15Q thereby removing the positive energy source. Transistor 15Q is normally energized by connecting its emitter, collector and base to appropriate control potentials. More specifically, the emitter is connected to the positive (l) bus 10 while the collector is connected to the negative bus 12 through a diode 12D, a resistor 19R and bus 69. The base of transistor 15Q is effectively connected to a negative source supplied by the biasing circuit consisting of resistors 50R and 51R. The button RIA serves to connect the positive bus 10 directly to the base of such transistor for deenergizing the transistor 15Q and thereby removing the positive energy source from the base of switching transistor 11Q.

In the illustration of FIG. 3, it is assumed that the commutator contact 1C of the indicator lKA is closed; but it should be understood that under some other conditions for this contact, or for some conditions representative of other contacts on this indicator, such contact could be considered in an open position. However, under the condition illustrated contact 1C is closed so that the collector of the switching transistor 11Q is connected to the negative bus 12 through closed contact 1C, diode 1D, bus 1, resistor 1R, control bus lCB, resistor 31R and resistor 32R. The emitter of this transistor 11Q is connected to the positive bus 10 through resistor 18R while the base is connected between positive (l) bus 10 and negative bus 12 through resistors 20R and 19R respectively. The emitter of transistor 11Q is also connected to the base of transistor 12Q to provide a biasing circuit for transistor 12Q during the energized condition of transistor 11Q, as will be subsequently explained in more detail. The collector of transistor 12Q is connected to the negative bus 12 through the motor M of indicator 1KA and bus 69. The emitter of transistor 12Q is connected between the positive (l) bus 10 and the negative bus 12 through diode 13D and resistor 21R and bus 69 respectively. This circuit for the emitter of transistor 12Q is effective to apply a negative potential to such emitter while the base of this transistor in its deenergized condition is connected to the positive bus 10. Under such circumstances, transistor 11Q is in a deenergized condition and is maintained in such condition by the voltage drop in resistor 19R which places the base of switching transistor 11Q at a substantially positive potential. The established circuit or circuits for providing a voltage drop in resistor 19R depends upon the unactuated condition of either button 1COB or button RIA or both of these buttons, as will be explained in more detail hereinafter.

On the other hand, if the code combination calls for the actuation of the button 113 and the buttons 1COB and RIA are actuated before such actuation of button 1B, the base of transistor 11Q is conditioned so as to provide energization of the transistor 11Q when negative potential is applied to control bus 1CB through but-ton 1B. Under such conditions, the base of transistor 11Q goes from a substantially positive potential to a more negative potential dependent upon the values of resistors 19R and 20R. Thus, when the negative potential is applied to control bus 1GB, transistor 11Q is energized thereby allowing a substantial current flow through it. This substantial current flow provides a suitable voltage drop in resistor 18R which places the base of transistor 12Q at a more negative potential. With the positive potential applied to the emitter of this transistor and the negative potential applied to the collector through the motor M, the motor will operate until such time as the commutator contact 1C becomes open. The transistor 11Q would then become deenergized since the negative potential connected directly through the button 13 is removed from its collector. In connection with all eight commutator contacts as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the contacts corresponding to the control buses which remain deenergized will be closed, while the contacts corresponding to the energized control buses will be opened. The base of transistor 12Q will then be returned to positive via resistor 18R and bus It is, of course, understood that the appropriate operations of the button 1B and button RIA as provided in FIG. 3 will be presently described for the complete organization shown in FIGS. -1A and 1B of the drawings.

Also, it will be noted in FIG. 3 that the diode 13D, resistor 18R and resistor R each have one side connected to the positive bus '10 whereas in FIGS. 1A and 1B they are connected to the positive bus 10 through a biasing circuit. This direct connection in FIG. 3 has been provided to simplify the drawing of FIG. 3 with the understanding that these connections are made to the same relative positive source.

Let us assume that the quiescent state or condition of the circuit organization is normal as above described and that it is desired to transfer the existing display position of indicator .lKA to another display indicator disposed in the same column. As has been stated heretofore, the closed commutator contact 1C is indicative of a control bus which during posting operations had no energy applied to it. During posting operations, then, the circuit associated with the contact 1C did not provide a substantial current flow through transistor 11Q to effectively maintain transistor HQ in an energized condition for causing the operation of motor M. During the transfer operation, the motor M should remain deenergized. This is accomplished by maintaining transistor 11Q in its deenergized condition for the indicator which it is desired to readout of.

To effectively read-out of an indicator, it is desirable that the column buses 1, 2, etc. are energized in the code combination allotted to a particular position of an indicator. This condition depends on the position of the commutator contacts of the indicator which it is desired to read-out of. This condition is effected by applying a negative potential to each of the control buses 1GB, 208, etc. while a positive potential is applied to the back contacts of the commutator contacts over bus 67 and through a diode 9D. A voltage drop occurs in the resistors connected in the column buses for those commutator contacts which are closed in accordance with the actuation of the read-out button such as button ROA for indicator IKA. With reference to FIG. 3, a voltage drop would occur in resistor 1R when buttons TB and ROA are actuated which efiectively renders bus 1 ineffective to provide controlling energy for a transistor 11Q of another indicator in the same column.

Operation of FIGS. 1A and 1B Keeping the above general description of the transistor operation in mind, reference will now be made to FIGS. 1A and IE to consider the operation with regard to the posting of information in the various display indicators of the panel including position checking of such posting and the transfer of such information from one row of such panel to another row of the same panel.

In the quiescent state of the circuit organization of FIGS. 1A and 1B, four of the commutator contacts of each indicator are in a closed position and the other four of the commutator contacts of each indicator are in an open position. As has been explained heretofore, the BR relays corresponding to the four closed commutator contacts would have been energized upon the completion of the operation of a selected indicator. In the present condition of the system, the energizing circuits for each of the BR relays is disconnected thereby providing a condition in which the energizing circuit for the correspondence light CE is disconnected. The operation of this light CE is dependent upon the energization of the BR 6.3 relays in combination and the condition of their corresponding bus energization buttons.

During a read-in operation, four of the buttons 1B, 2B, etc., are actuated in accordance with the code table of FIG. 2 to operate a selected indicator to a particular position. Likewise, a read-in button, such as button RIB, is actuated to select the row containing the indicator desired to be positioned. A column button, such as button ICOB is actuated in order to select a column and thus effect the selection of a particular indicator where there is coincidence between the selected row and the selected column.

Let it be assumed that it is desired to cause indicator IKB to display the letter A instead of being in a blank position as shown. Button RIB is actuated, which actuation is effective by reason of its connection to the positive source to apply such positive source to the base of its associated transistor 16Q. This is effective to deenergize loQ thereby removing the positive source from the established circuit including diode 12D and resistor 19R. Button ICOB is actuated, which actuation is effective to establish the energizing circuit for relay ICR. Energization of relay ICR is effective to open the circuit for diode 11D and resistor 19R established through its back contact 60. With these two circuits being disconnected, the established circuit including resistors 19R and MR is effective to condition the base of the switching transistor 'llQ, i.e., to place this base at a more negative potential. Buttons 1B, 4B, 6B and 8B are actuated, which is effective to apply a negative potential to their corresponding buses. In this instance, commutator contacts 3C and 6C which correspond to the control buses 4GB and 6GB being energized via 4B and 6B are closed. These closed contacts 46 and 6C establish circuits which allow a substantial amount of current to flow through transistor HQ between its emitter and collector. This current flow is effective to cause a sufiicient voltage drop in the resistor 18R thereby placing the base of transistor lZQ at a more positive potential than its emitter. Energization of transistor 12Q is thus effected and passes suificient current from emitter to collector to cause operation of its associated motor M to drive the display indicator IKE through its different positions. The commutator contacts 1C, 4C, 6C and 8C corresponding to their respective energized control buses ICB, 4GB, 6GB and 8GB will open and close in combinations until such time that the display indicator is operated to the particular position called for in which position all four are opened. During the time of operation when one or more of these contacts are closed, the substantial current flow through transistor l lQ will effectively maintain transistor 12Q energized, When the indicator is positioned to its called for position, each of these four contacts will become open and commutator contacts 2C, 3C, 50 and 7C will become closed, as is indicated in the code chart of FIG. 2. The base of transistor -12Q will subsequently be returned to positive through resistor 18R and bus 10 to thus deenergize transistor 12Q and remove the controlling energy from the motor M.

In the quiescent state of the circuit organization of FIGS. 1A and 1B, transistor 9Q of the disabling circuit was energized and transistor IGQ of this disabling circuit was deenergized. Energization of transistor 9Q was effected by placing its base at a negative potential with its emitter at a positive potential and its collector at a negative potential. The biasing circuit for placing its base at a negative potential includes resistors 27R and 28R connected to and respectively. The positive potential applied to the emitter is provided by the biasing circuit extending from through diode 19D, through resistor 29R, through diode 26D, to The collector of transistor 9Q is connected to the collectors of the transistors 1Q, 2Q, etc. through their respective BR relays.

When the operation of an indicator is initiated, the

9 current drawn by the particular indicator increases the current flow in the biasing circuit for the base of transistor Q to render it energized, thereby placing the base of transistor 9Q at a more positive potential. With the subsequent deenergization of transistor 9Q, the positive voltage source normally available to the collectors of each of the transistors 1Q, 2Q, etc. is removed during the operation of an indicator to prevent the relays 1BR, 2BR, etc. from being intermittently energized. That is, should the base of any one of the transistors 1Q, 2Q, etc. be placed at a positive potential by the connection of their base biasing circuits through closed commutator contacts of a selected indicator, the transistors 1Q, 2Q, etc. would be intermittently energized. The correspondence light CE is thus held deenergized until the operation of a selected indicator is completed. More specifically, the energizing circuit for transistor 10Q depends upon the current drawn through the circuit extending from through diode D, through resistor 23R in parallel with diode 14D, over positive bus 10 through diode 13D and resistor 21R of a selected indicator, over bus 69, over negative bus 12, to The current flow in the circuit extending from through resistor 26R, through resistor R, over positive bus 10, through diode 13]), through resistor 21R of the selected indicator, over bus 69, over negative bus 12 to is increased to a sufiicient value to cause the base of transistor 10Q to be placed at a negative potential. The subsequent energization of transistor 10Q is effective to cause a suitable voltage drop across resistor 28R to thus place the base of transistor 9Q at a positive potential to thus deenergize transistor 9Q.

During the operation of an indicator, then, the relays 1BR, 2BR, etc. remain deenergize-d. Upon the completion of the operation for an indicator, the current through the biasing circuit for transistor 10Q is reduced thereby rendering this transistor deenergized which in effect renders transistor 9Q energized. The base of each of the NPN type transistors connected individually to the control buses is conditioned in accordance with a closed corresponding commutator contact of such indicator upon the completion of such operation. One such circuit for indicator 1KB and transistor 5Q extends from through diode 15D, through diode 14D, over positive bus 10, through resistor 18R, through transistor 11Q, through commutator contact 5C, through diode 5D, through resistor 5R, over control bus SCB, through resistor 39R, through resistor 40R, over negative bus 12, to This biasing circuit allows a current to flow which places the base of transistor 5Q at a positive potential because of the voltage drop in resistor 40R. With transistors 5Q and 9Q energized, sufficient current flows from the emitter to the collector of transistor 9Q, through the relay 5BR, to negative through the collector and emitter of transistor 5Q to provide energization of such relay. Relays 2BR, BER and 7BR will be similarly energized. With the condition of each of the relays 1BR, 2BR, etc. in correspondence then with the position of their respective buttons 1B, 213, etc. and their respective commutator contacts, the circuit for correspondence light CE is established. Illumination of this light CE then denotes the proper completion of operation of indicator IKB.

When the operation of indicator lKB is completed and the light CE is illuminated, the control buttons previously actuated are released from their actuated positions. The circuits which have been established for the transistors 2Q, 3Q, 5Q, and 7Q will be disconnected due to the deenergization of switching transistor 11Q for indicator IKB. The BR relays for these transistors have been energized in accordance with the energization of transistor 9Q. Relays 1BR, 4BR, 6BR and 8BR remain deenergized because the negative potential is applied to the base of their respective transistors throughout such operation. The diodes connected in opposition It) to the current flow for the BR relays which have been energized are effective to absorb the induced voltages developed as a result of the collapsing fields of such BR relays when their respective transistors 2Q, 3Q, 5Q, and 7Q are deenergized, i.e., when their bases are returned to a negative potential.

Let it be assumed that it is desired to operate the display indicator 2KB to position 4. The operation will be similar to that of indicator lKB except, of course, that the buttons 1B, 4B, 6B and 7B will be actuated. The button ZCOB is actuated which causes relay 2CR to be energized. Button RIB has been previously actuated for operating indicator 1KB and remains actuated in order to operate indicator 2KB. The actuation of buttons 2COB and RIB efiectively remove the positive potential from the base of the switching transistor HQ in a similar manner to that of transistor 11Q for indicator lKB. Energization of the control buses by the buttons 1B, 4B, 6B and 7B provide for the energization of the motor control transistor 12Q in a manner described for transistor 12Q of indicator IKB. The operation of display indicator ZKB is then similar to the operation of indicator lKB.

With the conclusion of the operation of indicator 2KB, the position of the indicator is checked by the position checking circuits in the manner as described for indicator IKB. In this instance, however, relays 2BR, 3BR, 5BR and 8BR will be energized in correspondence with their closed commutator contacts 2C, 30, 5C and 8C of indicator 2KB. In other words, the actuated buttons have their respective BR relays deenergized while the unactuated buttons have their respective BR relays energized. The energizing circuit for illuminating the correspondence lamp CE is thus established thereby denoting correspondence between the energized control buses and the open commutator contacts of indicator 2KB.

The transfer operation between the rows of indicators will now be considered. To transfer the positions of the display indicators 1KB and 2KB of row B to the indicators lKA and 2KA respectively of row A, it is necessary to establish control conditions by the operation of a transfer button TB common to the entire panel, by the actuation of the read-out button ROB for the row having the information selected to be transferred, and by the actuation of the read-in button RIA for the row to which the information is to be transferred.

The actuation of the transfer button TB closes contacts 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 for energizing all of the control buses lCB, 2GB, 3GB, etc. In addition, the actuation of the transfer button TB closes contact 25 for energizing the column relays '1CR and 2'CR. If there were additional columns their column relays would also be concurrently energized. Thus, control energy is applied to one side of each of the resistors connecting its respective column bus to its corresponding control bus for each of the columns for energizing those column buses corresponding to closed commutator contacts of the indicators from which it is desired to read-out of.

As above mentioned, each indicator has four contacts which are closed, the particular contacts involved being dependent upon the position it then assumes. The particular contacts can be determined from the code table of FIG. 2 for each of its different positions. These four closed contacts of each indicator of row B are rendered effective to shunt their respective associated column buses by reason of the operation of the read-out button ROB. This is apparent from the circuits of FIG. 1B where a common connection over bus 66 from button ROB is provided through the diode 9D of each indicator.

This shorting of four column buses of eight produces potential drops in the bus resistor-s for corresponding buses. More specifically, the commutator contacts 2C, 3C, 5C and 7C for indicator IKB are closed since it is now assumed that this indicator is standing in its position A. Thus, potential drops are produce-d in resistors 2R, 3R,

SR and 7R. Such potential drops render these buses ineffective for providing the negative controlling potential applied to the control buses available to the collector of transistor 11Q. This transistor 11Q is ineffective to provide a substantial current flow to provide the voltage drop in resistor 18R to thus control the operation of transistor 12Q and its associated motor M for indicator lKB. The other four buses, i.e., 1, 4, 6 and 8, are conditioned to properly provide the negative controlling potential applied to their corresponding control buses to the collector of transistor llQ for indicator 1KA, in a manner above described for causing the operation of its associated motor M.

A similar operation, of course, occurs with regard to indicator 2KA, but in this instance the buses 2, 3, 5 and 8 are rendered inelfective due to the potential drops found in the resistors 10R, 11R, 13R and 16R as caused by the closed contacts 2C, 3C, 5C and 8C of indicator ZKB.

When the information has then been completely transferred from row B to row A, all of the control buttons previously actuated can be released. In this connection, it should also be understood that these buttons may be operated automatically but for convenience in the disclosure it is considered that they are operated manually.

In connection with the above description, it will be noted that there are a number of rows of indicators on the panel which are ineffective during this transfer operation. They remain inactive due to the fact that their associated readin buttons are not operated. For each row which does not have its associated read-in button operated, a positive potential is applied to the base of each switch ing transistor such as transistor 11Q for indicator IKC in accordance with the value of resistor 19R for each indicator to prevent energization of the respective switching transistors and the subsequent energization of their motors M.

In the circuits shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the transistorized motor control circuit provided for each display indicator renders its indicator motor M energized in a positive manner for positioning the indicator in accordance with the actuation of suitable control buttons. When such positioning of the display indicator occurs, the controlling energy is removed from its motor M, thus causing the motor armature to come to rest dependent upon the friction and mechanical drag inherent in its structure.

When it is desired to position indicators very rapidly and change them to different positions in rapid succession such may occur during a transfer operation, it becomes desirable to facilitate the motor stopping function. One manner of accomplishing this function is illustrated in the dynamic snubbing circuit organization of FIG. 4.

In FIG. 4, an additional controlling circuit is included and shown for indicator lKA for automatically controlling the deceleration of the motor M when indicator 1KA has been positioned to a desired display position in accordance with the actuation of suitable control buttons. Such additional circuit could be used with each of the other indicators shown in FIG. 1B; but, for convenience, indicator lKA was selected to illustrate the function of the automatic deceleration circuit for the motor M. This automatic deceleration circuit including a PNP type transistor 13Q, diode 10D and a resistor 22R provides an automatic electrical means for stopping the rotation of the motor armature. With reference to FIG. 4, it will be seen that the diode 10D is connected between the collector of transistor 12Q and one side of the motor M. The emitter of transistor 13Q is connected between the same side of the motor M and one side of diode 10D, while the collector is connected to over bus 69 and over the negative bus 12. The base of transistor 13Q is connected to the opposite side of diode 10D and to one side of resistor 22R while the opposite side of resistor 22R is connected to over bus 69 and the negative bus 12. The buses 65, 67 and 68 connect to the collector of transistor Q, read-out button RCA and the back contact 60' of relay ICR, respectively, to provide the necessary control of the transistorized motor control circuit in accordance with the actuation of four of the buttons B1, B2, etc. shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The buses 10 and 12 connect to the positive terminal and the negative terminal respectively of battery 48, as shown in FIG. 1A.

In considering the operation of the motor deceleration circuit, let it be assumed that it is desired to operate indicator lKA to display the letter A. In this connection, the buttons RIA and 1COB would be actuated to condition the switching transistor 11Q, as explained heretofore. The buttons B1, B4, B6 and B8 would subsequently be actuated to initiate the operation of the motor M.

The operation for indicator IKB to display the letter A has been given heretofore. Therefore, it shall be assumed that indicator IKA has operated in a similar manner to display the letter A. When the commutator contacts of indicator llKA, then, assume the opened and closed positions characteristic of the letter A, the biasing circuit including resistor 18R for the base of transistor IZQ is disconnected. The base of transistor 12Q is then connected to and the positive bus 10 through resistor 18R which causes transistor 12Q to be deenergized. Upon the deenergization of transistor 12Q, the energizing circuit for the motor M of indicator lKA is disconnected. However, the motor armature tends to rotate in the direction in which it has been rotated because of the inertia established in the rotation when control energy was applied to the motor M. Referring now to FIG. 4, it will be seen that the circuit including transistor 13Q, diode 10D and resistor 22R provide a means for automatically decelerating the motor armature upon the removal of controlling energy from the motor M. During the energized condition of transistor 12Q, the base of transistor 13F was maintained at a positive potential by reason of the voltage drop in diode 101) to thus maintain transistor 13Q deenergized during the time transistor 12Q was energized. However, when transistor HQ is deenergized, the current flow through diode lilD ceases which thereby removes the positive potential from the base of transistor 13Q. The base of transistor 13C) is then returned to a negative potential through resistor 22R, bus 69, and negative bus 12. The emitter of transistor 13Q is connected to the positive side of the motor M while the collector is connected to over bus 69 and negative bus 12. The motor armature continues to rotate as mentioned above to thus provide a positive potential on the emitter of transistor 13Q. This is effective to establish a current flow between the emitter and base of transistor 13Q, through the resistor 22R, over bus 69, over the negative bus 12, to As the rotation of the motor armature slows down, the positive (5) potential applied to the emitter of transistor 13Q is decreased, thus decreasing the current flow between the emitter and base of this transistor 13Q. Thus, in effect, the operation of transistor ISO in this connection provides a variable shunt across the motor M to automatically decelerate the motor armature.

When the operation of indicator lKA is completed and the appropriate circuits shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B have functioned, the control buttons previously actuated are released from their actuated positions.

Summary From the above description and consideration of the form of the present invention, it will be apparent that the present invention contemplates the provision of a posting and transfer system including suitable position checking means in which all operation are effected over the same sets of buses in a direct and positive manner without the use of intermediate switching contacts.

The form of the present invention disclosed how transistors of several types have been incorporated into the posting and transfer system including position checking means to reduce the current requirements both for the protection of the contacts involved in the display indicators and the manual control contacts; and also to make it possible to use smaller sizes of wire for the buses.

Also, the form of the present invention discloses how resistors connecting their respective column buses to their corresponding control buses are effective to serve two functions, i.e., during posting operations, to isolate the column buses for every column except that column associated with a selected indicator which it is desired to operate to another position and, during transfer operations, to render the column buses corresponding to the closed commutator contacts of the indicator which it is desired to read-out of ineffective to operate indicator in the same column which is operated to a corresponding position by the remaining energized column buses.

Also, the modified form of the present invention discloses how a transistor and diode are connected in a circuit organization to automatically control the dynamic snubbing of the motor armature for a display indicator to bring it rapidly to rest in each of its different operated positions. Such transistor and diode circuit organization automatically switches the snubbing circuit into and out of operation dependent upon whether operating energy is removed or applied respectively Without the use of switching contacts which would ordinarily be required for such an operation.

Having described one form of a posting and transfer system including suitable position checking means of the present invention, it is desired to be understood that this form has been selected to facilitate in the disclosure of the invention rather than to limit the number of forms which it may assume; and, it is to be further understood that various modifications, adaptations and alterations may be applied to the specific form shown to meet the requirements of practice, without in any manner departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

What I claim is:

1. In a control system for display indicators, a display indicator having changeable contacts, a motor for driving said indicator and contacts to their different positions, a first transistor, a second transistor, a plurality of control buses, circuit means for connecting said first transistor through said changeable contacts to said control buses to render said first transistor effective when potential is received from any one of said buses, circuit means for connecting said second transistor to said first transistor and to said motor to render said second transistor capable of causing operation of said motor in accordance with the effective condition of said first transistor, and means for selectively energizing said buses in accordance with the position to which it is desired to operate said indicator.

2. In a control system for display indicators, 2. source of energy, a plurality of control buses, a display indicator having changeable contacts, and an electric motor for operating said indicator and contacts to its different positions, a first transistor, a second transistor, circuit means connecting said first transistor and said source of energy to be normally ineffective to render said second transistor effective to operate said electric motor but connected to said control buses through said changeable contacts to be rendered effective whenever control potential is received over said buses, circuit means connecting said second transistor, said source of energy and said electric motor to be rendered effective in accordance with the effective condition of said first transistor, said contacts being effective to prevent control energy from being applied from said buses to said first transistor when said indicator and contacts are operated to a position corresponding to the selective energization then existing on said control buses, and means for selectively energizing said control buses in accordance with any desired position of said indicator.

3. In a control system for display indicators, a display indicator operable to a predetermined number of different positions, a plurality of changeable contacts for said indicator operable to opened and closed conditions in different code combinations corresponding in number to said predetermined number, an electroresponsive means for driving said indicator and said changeable contacts to their different positions, a first transistor, a second transistor, a plurality of control buses, circuit means for conmeeting said first transistor through said changeable contacts to said control buses to normally render said first transistor ineffective to render said second transistor eifective to operate said electroresponsive means but to be effective to render said second transistor effective to cause operation of said electroresponsive means when control potentials are received from said buses through said changeable contacts, means for selectively energizing said buses in code combinations corresponding to the different positions to which said indicator may be operated, each said code combination being selected to leave at least one of said control buses without operative potential, and said code combinations of said contacts being effective for each position to leave a contact closed only for such control buses as are left deenergized for such position.

4. In a control system for display indicators, a plurality of display indicators each having changeable contacts operable to different positions and an electroresponsive means for driving said indicator and its contacts to their different positions, a first transistor for each indicator, a second transistor for each indicator, a plurality of control buses, circuit means for each indicator for connecting said first transistor for that indicator through its said changeable contacts to said control buses to render said first transistor effective to render said second transistor effective when potential is received from any one of said buses, circuit means for each indicator for connecting said second transistor to said first transistor and said electroresponsive means to render said second transistor capable of causing operation of said electroresponsive means in accordance with the effective condition of said first transistor, means for selectively energizing said buses in accordance with the position to which it is desired to operate any one of said indicators, and means operative to render said indicators selectively responsive one at a time to the selective energization of said control buses.

5. In a posting system for display indicators: a plurality of display indicators arranged in rows and columns each including an electric motor, a plurality of changeable contacts, transistor switching means and transistor control means; each said electric motor for governing the operation of its indicator to its different positions in accordance with the energized condition of its transistor control means; and said plurality of changeable contacts for each indicator being operative to positions characteristic of the different positions of each display indicator; a plurality of control buses; a corresponding plurality of buses for each column of indicators; a corresponding plurality of diodes for each indicator; a plurality of resistors individual to each of said plurality of buses for each column of indicators; circuit means connecting said transistor switching means for each indicator to the changeable contacts of that indicator with each contact being connected to its respective bus with each such connection including one of the diodes for that indicator and to said transistor control means; said transistor control means for each indicator being connected to said transistor switching means and said electric motor; column selection means for each column of indicators for removing an energy source from each said transistor switching means of said column indicators; row selection means including a transistor for each row of indicators for removing a like energy source from each said transistor switching means of said row indicators; input means for selectively energizing said plurality of control buses and each corresponding plurality of column buses in accordance with the energized condition of a selected said transistor switching means; said selective energization being effective to render any particular said transistor switching means effective in accordance with said row selection means and said column selection means to further render its associated said transistor control means effective to cause the operation of said electric motor of that indicator to a position corresponding to the existing selective energization of said control buses.

6. In a posting system for display indicators: a plurality of display indicators each including an electroresponsive means, changeable contact means, transistor switching means and transistor control means; each said electroresponsive means for governing the operation of its indicator to its different positions in accordance with one condition of its transistor control means; said changeable contact means for each indicator being operative to positions characteristic of the different positions of each display indicator; a plurality of control buses; a corresponding plurality of diodes for each indicator; circuit means connecting one terminal of said electroresponsive means of each indicator to the changeable contacts of that indicator through said transistor switching means and said transistor control means; each of the changeable contacts of each indicator being connected to its respective bus with each such connection including one of the diodes for that indicator; input means for selectively energizing said plurality of control buses in accordance with the different positions to which it is desired to operate any particular indicator of the plurality of indicators; and selection means associated with each indicator for removing an energy source from the transistor switching means to thereby render said transistor control means effective to cause the operation of said electroresponsive means of that indicator to a position corresponding to the then existing selective energization of said control buses.

7. In a posting system for display indicators, a plurality of display indicators arran ed in rows and columns each including an electroresponsive means and changeable contact means, each said electroresponsive means for governing the operation of its indicator to its different position, and said changeable contact means for each indicator being operative to positions characteristic of the different positions of each display indicator, a plurality of control buses, a corresponding plurality of buses for each column of indicators, a corresponding plurality of diodes for each indicator, circuit means connecting one terminal of said electroresponsive means of each indicator to the changeable contacts of that indicator and connecting each contact to its respective bus with each such connection including one of the diodes for that indicator, means for selectively energizing said plurality of control buses and each corresponding plurality of column buses in accordance with one condition of said circuit means for any indicator in a particular column in accordance with the different positions to which the indicators of any particular column may be operated when it is desired to operate any particular indicator of that column to any particular position, resistor means for selectively connecting the control buses to their corresponding buses of that particular column in accordance with one condition of said changeable contacts of any particular indicator of that column, and means associated with each indicator of any particular column of indicators for connecting the other terminals of each of the electroresponsive means to the opposite source of energy to effect operation of any electroresponsive means in that column in accordance with said one condition of said circuit means to a position corresponding to the then existing selective energization of said control buses.

8. In a transfer system adaptable to a plurality of display indicators each including an electroresponsive means, changeable contact means, transistor switching means and transistor control means, each said electroresponsive means for governing the operation of its indicator to its different positions, and said changeable contact means for each indicator being operative to positions characteristic of the different positions of each display indicator, a plurality of control buses, a corresponding plurality of diodes for each indicator, circuit means including said transistor switching means and said transistor control means for connecting one terminal of said electroresponsive means of each indicator to the changeable contacts of that indicator and then connecting each contact to its respective control bus with each such connection including one of the diodes for that indicator, circuit means for applying one energy source to the other terminal of said electroresponsive means of each indicator, first means including said transistor switching means and said transistor control means for effectively applying one energy source to said one terminal of said electroresponsive means of each indicator, a plurality of resistors indiv-idual to the buses, second means common to one side of the resistors for applying one energy source to that side of all the resistors, said resistors being effective in accordance with one condition of said first means, said second means and the changeable contacts of a particular indicator to energize the buses in a manner characteristic of the position of the changeable contacts of that indicator, said energization of the buses being effective in accordance with one condition of said first means for any other indicator to cause such indicator to assume a corresponding position.

9. In a transfer system adaptable to a plurality of display indicators arranged in rows and columns each including an electroresponsive means, changeable contact means, transistor switching means and transistor control means, each said electroresponsive means for governing the operation of its indicator to its different positions, and said changeable contact means for each indicator being operative to positions characteristic of the different positions of each display indicator, a plurality of control buses, a corresponding plurality of buses individual to the columns of said indicators, a corresponding plurality of diodes for each indicator, circuit means including said transistor switching means and said transistor control means for connecting one terminal of said electroresponsive means of each indicator to the changeable contacts of that indicator and then connecting each contact to its respective column bus with each such connection including one of the diodes for that indicator, circuit means for applying one energy source to the other terminal of said electroresponsive means for each indicator, first means including said transistor switching means and said transistor control means for each indicator for effectively applying one energy source to said one terminal of said electroresponsive means of each indicator in any particular row, a plurality of diodes associated with said first means with one of said diodes being provided for each indicator, a plurality of resistors individual to each of the buses of each of the columns of indicators for connecting their respective column buses to their corresponding control buses, second means common to one side of the resistors for applying one energy source to that side of all the resistors, said resistors being effective in accordance with one condition of said first means of a particular row, said second means and the changeable contacts of the particular indicators in that roW to energize the column buses in a manner characteristic of the positions of the changeable contacts of those indicators in that row, said energization of the column buses being effective in accordance with one condition of said first means in relation to another row to cause the indicators of that row to concurrently assume positions corresponding to the positions of the particular indicators in their respective columns.

10, In a position checking system adaptable to a plurality of display indicators each including an electroresponsive means and changeable contact means, each said electroresponsive means for governing the operation of its indicator to its different positions, and said changeable contact means for each indicator being operative to positions characteristic of the different positions of each display indicator, a plurality of control buses, a corresponding plurality of diodes for each indicator, circuit means connecting one energy source to one terminal of said electroresponsive means of each indicator, first means for effectively connecting the other terminal of said electroresponsive means of each indicator to the changeable contacts of that indicator and then connecting each contact to its respective control bus with each such connection including one of the diodes for that indicator, second means for effectively applying an opposite energy to said first means for rendering said first means ineffective to cause the operation of said electroresponsive means of each indicator, input means for selectively energizing said plurality of control buses with said one energy source in accordance with the different positions to which any particular selected indicator of the plurality of indicators may be operated, a correspondence lamp, a plurality of relay means individual to said control buses, disabling circuit means common to each of said relay means for maintaining each of said relay means in one condition during the positioning of any particular indicator selected from said plurality and for allowing certain of said relay means to be operated to their other condition at the conclusion of such positioning in accordance with one condition of their associated changeable contact means of that indicator, and circuit means including said correspondence lamp and said plurality of relay means for providing an indication for effectively indicating the operation of that particular indicator of said indicators.

11. In a position checking system adaptable to a plurality of display indicators each including an electroresponsive means and changeable contact means, each said electroresponsive means for governing the operation of its indicator to its different positions, and said changeable contact means for each indicator being operative to positions characteristic of the different positions of each display indicator, a plurality of control buses, a corresponding plurality of diodes for each indicator, circuit means connecting one energy source to the one terminal of said electroresponsive means of each indicator, first means for effectively connecting the other terminal of said electroresponsive means of each indicator to the changeable contacts of that indicator and then connecting each contact to its respective control bus with each such connection including one of the diodes for that indicator, second means for effectively applying an opposite energy to said first means for rendering said first means ineffective to cause the operation of said electroresponsive means of each indicator, input means for selectively energizing said plurality of control buses with said one energy source in accordance with the different positions to which any particular selected indicator of the plurality of indicators may be operated, a correspondence lamp, a plurality of relay means each including a transistor control means individual to said control buses, each said transistor control means effective to render its said relay means ineffective during one condition but effective to render its said relay means effective in an opposite condition, disabling circuit means including a first transistor means and a second transistor means common to each of said relay means for maintaining each of said relay means in one condition during the positioning of any particular indicator selected from said plurality of indicators, said second transistor means effective in one condition during such positioning to render said first transistor means ineffective to supply an energy source for each of said transistor control means but effective in an opposite condition to render said first transistor means effective to supply an energy source for each of said transistor control means in accordance with one condition of said changeable contacts of that indicator, and circuit means including a correspondence lamp and said plurality of relay means for providing an indication for effectively indicating the operation of that particular indicator of said indicators.

12. In a position checking system adaptable to a plurality of display indicators arranged in rows and columns each including an electroresponsive means and changeable contact means, each said electroresponsive means for governing the operation of its indicator to its different positions, and said changeable contact means for each indicator being operative to positions characteristic of the different positions of each display indicator, a plurality of control buses, a corresponding plurality of buses individual to the columns of said indicators, a corresponding plurality of diodes for each indicator, circuit means for each indicator for connecting one energy source to the one terminal of its said electroresponsive means, first means for effectively connecting the other terminal of said electroresponsive means for that indicator to the changeable contacts of that indicator and then connecting each contact to its respective control bus with each such connection including one of the diodes for that indicator, second means for effectively applying an opposite energy to said first means for rendering said first means ineffective to cause the operation of said electroresponsive means of each indicator, a plurality of resistors individual to each of the buses for each of the columns of said indicators for connecting their respective column buses, input means for selectively energizing said plurality of control buses with said one energy source in accordance with the different positions to which any particular selected indicator of the plurality of indicators may be operated, a correspondence lamp, a plurality of relay means individual to said control buses, disabling circuit means common to each of said relay means for maintaining each of said relay means in one condition during the positioning of any particular indicator selected from said plurality of indicators and for allowing certain of said relay means to be operated to their other condition at the conclusion of such positioning in accordance With one condition of their associated changeable contact means of that indicator, and circuit means including said correspondence lamp and said plurality of relay means for providing an indication for effectively indicating the operation of that particular indicator selected from said plurality of indicators.

13. In a posting and position checking system for a plurality of display indicators arranged in rows and columns, each indicator including changeable contacts and electroresponsive means for governing the operation of that indicator to its diiferent positions and concurrently oper' ating said changeable contacts to positions characteristic of the different positions of that display indicator, a plurality of control buses, a corresponding plurality of buses individual to the columns of said indicators, a corresponding plurality of diodes for each indicator, circuit means for each indicator for connecting one terminal of its said electroresponsive means through its changeable contacts and its diodes to said column buses, a plurality of resistors individual to each of the buses of each of the columns of indicators for connecting their respective column buses to their corresponding control buses, input means for selectively energizing the control buses and corresponding column buses for any particu lar column of indicators in accordance with the desired position of any indicator in that column, circuit means for rendering the selective energization of the buses for any column effective at a different time than the selective energization of the other columns, read-in means for rendering sa-id electroresponsive means for each of the indicators of any row responsive to the energization of their column buses in accordance with said column circuit means, a correspondence lamp, a plurality of relay means individual to said control buses, disabling circuit means common to each of said relay means for maintaining each of said relay means in one condition during the positioning of any particular indicator selected from said plurality of indicators and for allowing certain of said relay means to be operated to their other condition at the conclusion of such positioning in accordance with one condition of their associated change- 19 able contact means of that positioned indicator, and circuit means including said correspondence lamp, said plurality of relay means and said input means for providing an indication for effectively indicating the operation of that particular indicator of said plurality of indicators.

14. In a posting and transfer system for a plurality of display indicators arranged in rows and columns, each indicator including changeable contacts and an electroresponsive means for governing the operation of that indicator to its different positions and concurrently operating said changeable contacts to positions characteristic of the diiferent positions of that display indicator, a plurality of control buses, a corresponding plurality of buses individual to the columns of said indicators, 21. corresponding plurality of diodes for each indicator, circuit means for each indicator for connecting one terminal of its said electroresponsive means through its changeable contacts and its diodes to said column buses, a plurality of resistors individual to each of the buses of each of the columns of indicators for connecting their respective column buses to their corresponding control buses, input means for selectively energizing the control buses and corresponding column buses for any particular column of indicators in accordance with the desired position of any indicator in that column, circuit means for rendering the selective energization of the buses for any column effective at a different time than the selective energization of the other columns, read-in means for rendering said electroresponsive means for each of the indicators of any row responsive to the energization of their column buses in accordance with said column circuit means, circuit means for applying one energy source to all of the control buses, read-out means associated with the indicators of each row for causing such indicators of that row to selectively apply an opposite energy to the buses of each column in accordance with their then existing positions, whereby potential drops are selectively developed in the resistors for the buses of any column in accordance with the indicators of that particular row having its read-out means operated and whereby the operation of said read-in means for any other row causes the transfer of information from the indicators of said particular row to such other roW.

15. A posting system comprising, a plurality of control buses, a plurality of changeable display indicators arranged in rows and columns each including changeable contacts and an electroresponsive means, each said electroresponsive means being operative at times for operating the changeable contacts of its indicator to open and closed positions characteristic of the difierent positions of its indicator, a plurality of diodes for each indicator, a plurality of groups or column buses corresponding to said columns, each groups of column buses for connecting each of the changeable contacts of each indicator in its column to their corresponding control buses through one of said diodes, a plurality of row selecting means corresponding to said rows each common to each indicator in its respective row for conditioning the indicators of its row, a plurality of column selecting means corresponding to said columns each common to each indicator in its respective column for conditioning the indicators of its column, and input means for energizing said control buses in code combinations for operating one of said indicators conditioned by both said row selecting means and said column selecting means.

16. In a control system for display indicators, a display indicator having changeable contacts and a motor, said motor for governing the operation of said changeable contacts to opened and closed positional combinations characteristic of the different positions of said indicator, a first transistor, a second transistor, and a third transistor, a plurality of control buses, circuit means for connecting said first transistor through said changeable contacts to said control buses to render said first transistor effective when potential is received from any one of said buses,

circuit means for connecting said second transistor to said first transistor and to said motor to render said second transistor capable of causing operation of said motor in accordance with the effective condition of said first transistor, circuit means for connecting said third transistor to said second transistor and to said motor to render said third transistor ineffective when said second transistor and said motor are rendered effective and to render said third transistor elfective when said second transistor is rendered ineffective for controlling the return of said motor to its deenergized condition, and means for selectively energizing said buses in accordance with the position to which it is desired to operate said indicator.

17. In a control system for display indicators, a display indicator having changeable contacts and a motor, said motor for governing the operation of said changeable contacts to opened and closed positional combinations characteristic of the different positions of said indicator, a transistor, a plurality of control buses, circuit means for connecting said motor through said changeable contacts to said control buses, means for selectively energizing said buses in accordance with the position to which it is desired to operate said indicator, and circuit means for connecting said transistor to said motor to render said transistor ineffective when said motor is rendered elfective in accordance with said bus energization means and to render said transistor effective when the changeable contacts are operated to opened and closed positions characteristic of the desired position of said indicator for controlling the return of said motor to its deenergized condition.

18. In a control system for display indicators, a plurality of display indicators each operable to a plurality of display positions, each indicator having a plurality of changeable contacts and a driving means adapted to be operated at times according to positional combinations of said changeable contacts, a plurality of buses common to said plurality of indicators, circuit means for selecting a driving means of one of said indicators and for energizing said buses in a distinct combination for operating that driving means through its changeable contacts, checking means connected to said buses responsive to a desired position of a selected indicator when the selected indicator is stopped in the desired position, and means connected to said checking means effective to render the checking means unresponsive to all positions of the selected indicator when in operation.

19. The system defined in claim 18 wherein said checking means includes a purality of individual means, each being connected to one of said buses, each of said plurality of individual means being responsive to the desired position of a selected indicator according to the position of its corresponding changeable contact only while selected by said circuit means.

20. The system defined in claim 19 wherein each individual means includes a relay caused to be energized according to one position of a changeable contact for a selected indicator, indicating means controlled by the existing condition of said circuit means and the energized and deenergized combination of the relays for providing an indication of the selected indicator operation.

21. In a control system for display indicators, a dis play indicator having changeable contacts and a motor driving means, said motor driving means for governing the operation of said changeable contacts to open and closed positional combinations characteristic of the different display positions of said indicator, a plurality of control buses operatively connected at times to said motor driving means through said changeable contacts, means for selectively energizing said buses in a distinct combination for operating said indicators, and other means operatively connected to said motor driving means adapted to be rendered inoperative during the time control energy is supplied to said motor driving means through said changeable contacts, said other means being rendered operative when said changeable contacts disconnects said control 21 energy from said motor driving means for causing said motor driving means to immediately return to its static condition.

22. The system defined in claim 21 wherein said motor driving means includes an armature adapted to rotate during the energized condition of said motor driving means and further adapted to rotate due to established inertia when the control energy is removed from said motor driving means, said other means being etfective oppose the force of established inertia, thereby causing the armature to cease rotation in a short period of time.

References Cited in the file of this patent according to such rotation due to established inertia to 10 2,609,143

UNITED STATES FATENTS Morton May 14, Bumstead Dec. 2, Potts May 8, Stibitz Sept. 2, 

